Primary Cicatricial Alopecia: Diagnosis and Treatment

The 2013 document discussed primary cicatricial alopecia, a group of rare disorders causing permanent hair loss by destroying hair follicles and replacing them with scar tissue. The condition was challenging to diagnose and treat, with no known cause, and represented about 7% of patients in specialist hair loss clinics. The document emphasized early diagnosis to prevent further hair loss and suggested treatments including anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive drugs, topical steroids, intralesional triamcinolone, and hydroxychloroquine. However, treatment effectiveness varied and there was no guaranteed cure. The document also highlighted the psychological impact of hair loss and recommended psychological support for patients. It also suggested future investigations should focus on identifying antigens or cell-bound targets and triggers for the folliculocentric attack.